Its beauty makes it a star at shows, but the agile poodle is anything but a fashion dog: intelligent, sporty and people-friendly, the lovable dog is just as suitable as a family member as it is for responsible dog jobs. Whether you choose a tiny toy poodle or an impressive large poodle is secondary: this special breed enchants in all dimensions and colours.

From duck hunter to society dog

The history of the poodle dates back to the Middle Ages. It is assumed that the breed was once created by crossing a hunting dog with a shaggy-haired herding dog. In early illustrations, the poodle is usually depicted in medium size, which suggests that the original form of this breed had a medium size, which corresponded to a size between today’s small and large poodles.

In Germany, the poodle is one of the most popular dog breeds. The word “poodle” is derived from the Old German word for “puddeln”, i.e. splashing around in the water. A reference to the early use of the poodles: Due to their good buoyancy, poodles were used to hunt waterfowl and retrieved waterfowl as hunting dogs. The hunters of that time developed a special shearing to improve the animals’ ability to swim on the one hand and to protect important organs from the cold of the water on the other. For example, thick fur adorned the areas above the forehead, chest and shoulders as well as in the area of the ankles. To make it easier for the dog to swim, however, its fur was shortened on the belly, back thighs and lumbar area.

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The rise of the poodle to the fashion dog

France is considered the country of origin of today’s pedigree dogs. In the 18th century, the poodle was very popular among the nobility and it began to be bred in smaller sizes. Soon, the friendly dog with the slightly prancing gait became a fashionable companion dog for ladies. In addition, the poodle was also often displayed at fairs due to its ability to learn tricks easily. At the end of the 19th century, however, interest in the poodle flattened out until it became popular again in the 1920s and became a fashion dog, especially in the 1960s.

What does a poodle look like?

In Poodles, a distinction is made between two types of fur: woolly poodles and lace-up poodles. In both types of fur, the coat is lush and has a fine, woolly texture. The fur of the woolly poodle is strongly curled, elastic and forms even curls, while the fur of the lace-up poodle forms typical cords, which should have a length of at least 20 centimeters. The coat of a poodle is dyed in one color in the colors black, white, gray, brown, red faw or apricot. The fur of apricot-colored poodles may also be perceived as golden. On the other hand, beige and its lighter gradations are not permitted. In black, brown, gray, red fawn or apricot-colored poodles, the skin color corresponds to that of the fur. White poodles, on the other hand, have silver-gray skin.

A Poodle’s eyes are black or dark brown and almond-shaped. Brown Poodles also have amber eyes. A Poodle’s ears are typically quite long and drooping.

Height and weight of the different Poodles

A special feature of the different poodles is that they differ greatly from each other in height or size. A distinction is made between four different sizes: The smallest, the so-called toy poodle, is only about 24 to 28 centimeters high and weighs between 2 and 4 kilograms – a tiny thing compared to the large poodle, also known as the king poodle. The poodle reaches up to 60 centimeters shoulder height and weighs 18 to 25 kilograms. Apart from that, there is also the miniature poodle, which reaches a height of 28 to 35 centimeters and a weight of 3.5 to 6 kilograms, and the small poodle, which can grow to a height of 35 to 45 centimeters and weigh 7 to 12 kilograms. Some people wonder: “What is the difference between the toy poodle and the miniature poodle?” The difference between the two poodles is that the toy poodle is still slightly smaller and lighter than the miniature poodle.

What is a Teacup Poodle?

In advertisements, you often come across a kind of mini poodle, which are offered as so-called Teacup poodles. However, this is not a recognized dog breed, but the deliberate small-scale breeding of dwarf dog breeds. Reputable breeders refrain from breeding such Teacup dogs because this is associated with a health risk for the animals.

Poodle Mix: Popular Poodle mixes

To this day, the Poodle enjoys great popularity. The Poodle is also often crossed with other dog breeds. A well-known example of a Poodle mix is the cross between Pug and Poodle, the so-called Pugapoo. These are people-oriented and very docile dogs. Depending on which genes are more pronounced in the respective mix, the coat of a Pugapoo can be more like the short, smooth coat of a Pug or the curly coat of a Poodle. Size and weight (4.5 to 13.5 kilograms) also vary depending on the specimen.
Another popular Poodle mix is the Goldendoodle. This lovable mix of poodle and golden retriever is reminiscent of a teddy bear with its appearance and is considered an ideal family dog due to its affectionate nature. In addition, the Goldendoodle is also well suited for allergy sufferers, as it sheds relatively little thanks to the poodle genes. A close relative and also a poodle mix is the Labradoodle, a mix of poodle and labrador.

Poodle: Character

The Poodle character is an irresistible mixture of intelligence, charm, docile eagerness to work, great friendliness and sociability. The Poodle seeks connection with its humans and wants to be everywhere. Thanks to these characteristics, the Poodle is also used as a talented working dog, guide dog and protection dog as well as a rescue dog. In addition, it has a penchant for self-expression and a talent for showmanship: Poodles love to please and get recognition. Is the Poodle a “yapper”? This question cannot be answered in a general way for all Poodles. Whether a dog becomes a yapper depends decisively on its character and upbringing. Thus, inadequate training can also lead to undesirable behaviors, which can include excessive yapping.

Is a Poodle suitable for beginners?

If you are interested in keeping a Poodle but have no dog experience yet, you may be wondering whether a Poodle is a beginner dog. Since Poodles are generally very docile and easy to train, they are also suitable for beginners. However, it is important to take a close look at this dog breed and its needs before buying. Especially if it is your first dog, you should definitely attend a dog school with him – preferably from an early age, so that your Poodle puppy learns all the basic dog commands and is properly socialized through contact with other dogs.

Who is a poodle suitable for?

Depending on the size, a poodle is suitable for life in the countryside as well as in the city. The sociable and loyal dogs are also well suited as a family dog due to their love of children, as well as for older or single people. However, it is important that its owners can meet the needs of the poodle. The intelligent and eager dog wants to be challenged and exercised accordingly.

Since the poodle fur does not shed, the poodle can also be suitable for allergy sufferers.

Is a poodle difficult to train?

Its friendliness and intelligence make the poodle an easy dog to train. Power behaviour or stubbornness are alien to it. However, the animal needs stimulation and exercise at your side. When keeping them, you should always make sure that your poodle does not get bored, because underchallenged animals make nonsense. Although poodles are attentive, they are only suitable as guard dogs to a limited extent. With sufficient exercise and walks, the poodle also feels comfortable in a city apartment. It does not show an excessive urge to move in the house. Please secure an existing balcony well, as the curious animals can easily have an accident there.

How much exercise does a poodle need?

Poodles need daily exercise because they are athletic and like to move. In addition, these intelligent dogs want to be challenged not only physically, but also mentally. It is therefore advisable to give them a healthy mix of exercise and brain teasers. With a Poodle you will also find an enduring jogging partner who is also enthusiastic about agility, obedience and, above all, retrieving.

Caring for the Poodle

The poodle’s pretty curly fur requires special care, which goes far beyond occasional grooming: You have to brush the dog daily and, which is only necessary in exceptional cases with other breeds, also bathe regularly. You should entrust the taming of the fast-growing wool to an experienced dog groomer every two months or acquire appropriate skill with the trimmer.

Buying poodle puppies: What you should consider

If you want to buy a Poodle puppy, it is important that you contact a reputable Poodle breeder who cares about the well-being of their animals. There is usually also the opportunity to visit your Poodle puppy a few times before you take him home. This gives both of you the opportunity to get to know each other.

Alternatively, you can also look for a poodle at animal welfare or in an animal shelter. If it doesn’t necessarily have to be a purebred poodle, you may find a poodle mix here instead. In addition, you should inform yourself extensively about the breed before buying it and be aware of whether you can meet the needs of a poodle – and this over several years, because the life expectancy of a poodle is high.

How much does a poodle cost?

The price of a purebred poodle can vary from breeder to breeder. For example, for a miniature poodle from a reputable breeder, you can expect a price between 1,000 and 2,500 euros. For example, if you want to buy a toy poodle or a poodle of a different size, you can also inquire at the shelter or animal welfare. If you adopt a dog from the shelter, you will only pay a nominal fee of about 200 to 300 euros. However, you should be aware that a dog from the shelter may have had many experiences in its life – including bad ones – that may require special treatment of it. This is because animal welfare rescues and replaces poodles and other animals that are in need. Therefore, depending on the individual case, a dog from the shelter is more suitable for experienced dog owners who meet the special needs of a negatively inclined animal. Sometimes, however, older poodles have to be given away because their owners are no longer able to take care of them. For example, you may be able to take in a lovable adult poodle who is looking for a new home.

All about the Poodle

Breed portrait: Poodle

What comes to your mind when you hear the term “curly dog beauty”? Exactly: a poodle. He is known for his hairstyles – but he has so much more to offer! With his particularly lovable character, he is an ideal companion and family dog. In our breed portrait you can find out what a real treasure a poodle is.

Get to know other poodles and poodle mixes here:

• Miniature Poodle: The Miniature Poodle goes through thick and thin with its owner and does not leave his side. The smart four-legged friend is intelligent, funny and an ideal family dog.
• Small Poodle: The small poodle is a bright four-legged friend who does not leave your side. With his charm and unintentional comedy, he will amaze and laugh at you. Whether at shows, in dog sports or as a therapy dog at school.
• Cockapoo: As a cross between a cocker spaniel and a poodle, the Cockapoo (also: Cockerdoodle and Cockerpoo) ideally combines the best characteristics of both breeds.
• Schnoodle: The Schnoodle, a mix of Schnauzer and Poodle, is one of the most popular designer dogs. Which breed dominates is individual – so there is always a little “surprise package” in your Schnoodle.
• Goldendoodle: The good-natured Goldendoodle is one of the hybrid dog breeds. It is created from the cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle – hence the characteristic teddy look.
• Labradoodle: The kindness of the Labrador combined with the non-shedding fur of the intelligent poodle – a Labradoodle accompanies you with a little education as a wonderful family dog in everyday life.
• Maltipoo: The Maltipoo combines the kindness of the Maltese with the intelligence of the poodle. The mixture results in an attentive, cheerful and playful family dog that is easy to train and lead in everyday life.
• Poodle Pointer: The Pointer’s seriousness and hunting skills coupled with the Poodle’s liveliness and willingness to cooperate result in a versatile hunting dog with a close bond with its family.